Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
7.1miLength
1,466ftElevation gain
3.5–4hrEstimated time
Loop
Varied hiking trail in Ilsenburg, Saxony-Anhalt.
The popular hiking destination - the famous Ilsestein with its iron cross - rises high above the Ilsetal. The beautiful view of the Ilsetal, the town of Ilseburg, the Brocken massif and the Harz foreland can be enjoyed from here. The cross was erected in 1814 on behalf of Count zu Stolberg-Wernigerode. The place is also known for Heinrich Heine, who visited it on his journey through the Harz Mountains in 1824 and climbed up to the cast-iron cross. There is the forest inn to stop off for refreshments.
Highlights of the route:
- Ilstestein and Ilstal
- beautiful nature with Brocken massif
- Harz foothills
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Paternosterklippe
Viewpoint
Ilsenburg-Blick
Viewpoint
Schloss Ilsenburg
Castle
Schloßteich
Pond
Tänntal
Valley
Kammerberg
Peak
Bothoblick
Viewpoint
Gesteinslehrpfad
Attraction
Altenstübchen
Attraction
Burg Ilsestein
Archaeological site
Gehrental
Valley
Stumpfrücken
Peak
Pfennigsberg
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Top sights
Rohntal
Valley
Ilsestein
Peak
Prinzess-Ilse-Quelle
Spring
Zanthierplatz
Hut
Ilsestein
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Paternosterklippe
Viewpoint
Ilsenburg-Blick
Viewpoint
Schloss Ilsenburg
Castle
Schloßteich
Pond
Tänntal
Valley
Kammerberg
Peak
Bothoblick
Viewpoint
Gesteinslehrpfad
Attraction
Altenstübchen
Attraction
Burg Ilsestein
Archaeological site
Gehrental
Valley
Stumpfrücken
Peak
Pfennigsberg
Peak
WildnisStieg
Attraction
Nationalparkhaus Ilsenburg
Attraction
Wassertreten
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our community
Adventure starts in the app
Offline maps, navigation, and conditions — all in one place
Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 7.1-mile loop trail near Ilsenburg, Saxony-Anhalt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 34 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Expected weather for Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 62 degrees/nieselregen
- Sun, September 20 - 61 degrees/klar
- Mon, September 21 - 58 degrees/klar
- Tue, September 22 - 63 degrees/klar
- Wed, September 23 - 70 degrees/klar
Where is Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg located?
Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg is a trail located in Harz National Park.
How hard is Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg is considered a moderate hike that covers 7.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg a loop?
Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg is a loop trail that covers 7.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg is a loop trail that covers 7.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg.
How busy is Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
According to trailgoers, Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg is usually busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg.
Are there scenic views at Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtspunkt Paternosterklippe, Ilsenburg-Blick, and Bothoblick.
Are there forests at Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Yes, Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg is a forest trail in Harz National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Ilsestein and Forest House Plessenburg in Harz National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 18, 2026 at 11:01 pm GMT+0